Tuesday, August 21, 2018- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Oregon’s Senator Jeff Merkley, a senior member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement after the Trump administration issued a new plan to allow more carbon pollution:

“Today, the Trump agenda to turn the Environmental Protection Agency into the Polluter Protection Agency is complete. This pro-pollution plan is a threat to public health and will produce more catastrophic wildfires, more devastating droughts, and more climate chaos that will wreak havoc on lives, businesses and jobs.

THE CLEAN POWER PLAN

The Clean Power Plan sets achievable standards to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 32 percent from 2005 levels by 2030. By setting these goals and enabling states to create tailored plans to meet them, the Plan will:

PROTECT THE HEALTH OF AMERICAN FAMILIES. IN 2030, IT WILL:

Prevent up to 3,600 premature deaths
Furthermore prevent 1,700 non-fatal heart attacks
Reduce 90,000 asthma attacks in children.
Also reduce 300,000 missed workdays and schooldays

BOOST OUR ECONOMY BY:

a) Leading to 30 percent more renewable energy generation in 2030

b) Creating tens of thousands of jobs

c) Continuing to lower the costs of renewable energy

SAVE THE AVERAGE AMERICAN FAMILY:

Nearly $85 a year on their energy bills in 2030.
Save enough energy to power 30 million homes in 2030.
Save consumers $155 billion. All from 2020-2030.

The Obama administration’s Clean Power Plan would have reduced harmful carbon pollution by over 30%. Moreover and that is by 2030. As well as eliminate devastating toxins like mercury.

So the Trump Pro-Pollution Plan would offer incentives for coal plants to keep operating. Furthermore and avoid modern pollution standards. Thereby releasing more pollution, soot, and toxins into the air our children breathe.

“Today’s announcement is just further proof that fossil fuel special interests have hijacked our democracy. Further and We the People are paying the price.”

https://www.merkley.senate.gov/news/press-releases/merkley-reacts-to-trumps-pro-pollution-plan